Ecologic management of a delegated space: the exemplary case of Crépieux - Charmy (France)
The durability of the catchment field of Crépieux - Charmy, which supplies drinking water for almost the entire town, is an essential issue for all the inhabitants of Lyon.
Located in the West of Lyon, it is the largest catchment field in Europe
(375 hectares), which is moreover, classified as a Natural Area which is of particular interest in terms of Ecology and Wildlife, a Sensitive Natural Area, a Special Wetland and a Natura 2000 area.
In this context, Veolia Water has been exploiting the site since 1987 for the production of drinking water for the town of Lyon. Since it would like to conserve and develop the exceptional ecological heritage of the site, Veolia Water formed an alliance with the Lyon Urban Community and with the local nature protection associations in order to monitor and maintain the ecological heritage within the framework of a five-year management plan for the site.
These actions are the subject of discussion with different partners and are accompanied by measures to raise the awareness and communication with the populations and young members of the public.
A team of 5 people responsible for caretaking and maintenance ensures the ecological monitoring of the site with the regular support of experts from local nature conservation associations (FRAPNA, CORA).
It conducts inventories of the fauna and flora and contributes to the enrichment of scientific knowledge.
Moreover, it maintains and develops various habitats: creation and re-modeling of ponds for amphibians, reconstitution of bush environments for bird nesting, autumn reaping of pastures with limited maintenance around catchment wells.
